For those with a gluten intolerance or are suffering from Celiac, going to a fairground festival can be difficult to find gluten-free food. However, the Best of San Diego Magazine party 2013 is filled with top notch restaurant tidbits with something for everyone. The yearly event was located at NTC in Liberty Station on August 23rd from 6:30-9:30pm.By 6pm, there were already 3 lines of hungry patrons who were given a sticker and a wrist band for entrance. The event which was 21 and over showcased what San Diego Magazine had selected to be the top spots and services for San Diego. Along with that group, large sponsors like Massage Envy were giving out back massages and Audi showed off their shiny new stock lot.

Live bands, a twirling acrobat, a bevy of beautiful brand ambassadors, and dress up photo booths offered some entertaining moments in-between the gluttony. There were no churros and corn dogs found here. Attendees who were gluten-free could enjoy the standouts like the bacon wrapped figs from WhisknLadle, the shaved parmesan cheese with a balsamic dressing from Monello/Bencotto, choices of tacos from Puesto, fresh ceviche from Truluck’s, a slice of steak from Cowboy Star, and the infamous sausage with polenta skewer from The Tractor Room. Past the long line for a glass of Stella Artois, one could see the Executive Chef Michael McDonald fromRoppongi cooking up the Korean style short rib with kim chee. Edible Arrangements showed off their refreshing fruit arrangements while most dessert stations had gluten only choices like lime cheese cake or cream filled donuts. There was no gluten-free beers but plenty of imbibes from Smirnoff and Falkner Winery.

Along with the fun memories of sampling and hearing about San Diego’s top picks, attendees went home with an etched mini glass and other swag from different sponsors from the Best of San Diego Magazine’s party 2013.